LOS ANGELES, April 17 /PRNewswire/ — The Los Angeles Times Media Group celebrates the official commemoration of Ruben Salazar Day in Los Angeles and the April 22nd issuance of a U.S. Postal stamp honoring Salazar with a series of public and private events. The new stamp is one of five which immortalize the lives, work, and cultural legacies of American journalists who risked their lives reporting some of the most important events of the 20th century. It is also the centerpiece of a specially assembled photography and memorabilia exhibition being unveiled on April 22nd in The Times’ downtown Globe Lobby and open to the public through the 24th.
“Ruben Salazar paved the way for so many journalists. His legacy continues to inspire many and his story will be retold to a new generation with the issuance of a postage stamp in his honor,” said Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti.
Ruben Salazar was the first Latino journalist to gain prominence writing for a major news organization in the U.S. In addition to his award-winning work for The Times ( http://latimes.com ), he was the first news director for L.A.’s KMEX-TV and a vocal advocate for social reforms for the Spanish-speaking community. He was shot in the head and killed by a tear gas canister fired by a deputy sheriff in East Los Angeles while covering a Vietnam War protest on August 29, 1970. His death at age 42 sparked nationwide controversy and outrage.
“Ruben Salazar dedicated his life and ultimately gave it to expose the truth, champion civil rights and give a powerful voice to the Latino community that was marginalized for too long,” said Los Angeles Times Publisher David D. Hiller. “It is with great honor that The Times recognizes his courageous achievements and extraordinary legacy, which represent the finest traditions of American journalism.”
A private event will also be hosted by The Times and Hoy L.A. ( http://hoyinternet.com ) on the evening of April 22nd, with David Hiller, Mayor Antonio Villarraigosa and Hoy L.A. publisher Roaldo Moran joining Salazar’s daughter Lisa and her family in The Times’ Chandler Auditorium. Festivities will include a panel discussion of Salazar’s accomplishments led by Times reporter Louis Sahagun with participants Felix Gutierrez, Professor of Journalism at USC; Julio Moran, Executive Director of Chicano News Media Association (CCMNA); Olga Briseno Director of the Media, Democracy and Policy Initiative at the University of Arizona; and Univision/KMEX General Manager Maelia Macin. In addition, The Times and Hoy L.A. sponsored a 500-word essay contest at Ruben Salazar Continuation High School in Pico Rivera and the winning entry will be read as part of the celebration. Sponsored by The Times and Hoy L.A., with winners selected by Sahagun and Times deputy metro editor Steve Padilla, the contest promises the winner a $100 bond and offers the school a $1000 donation.
Salazar’s stamp, along with stamps honoring Martha Gellhorn, John Hersey, George Polk and Eric Sevareid, will be officially dedicated April 22 at a ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. For images please refer to the USPS website newsroom. ( http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2007/sr07_043.htm )
About the Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times ( http://www.latimes.com/ ) is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 2.2 million and 3.2 million on Sunday, and a combined print and interactive monthly audience of 4.9 million. The Los Angeles Times and its media businesses and affiliates — including The Envelope ( http://theenvelope.latimes.com/ ), Metromix ( http://losangeles.metromix.com/ ), Times Community Newspapers, Hoy ( http://www.hoyinternet.com/ ), and California Community News — reach approximately 8.1 million or 62% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Los Angeles Times, has been covering Southern California for over 126 years and is part of Tribune Company ( http://www.tribune.com/ ), one of the country’s leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at http://www.latimes.com/mediacenter .
About Hoy
Hoy ( http://www.hoyinternet.com/ )is the leading Spanish-language newspaper with daily editions in Los Angeles and Chicago. Hoy Los Angeles belongs to the Los Angeles Times Media Group and, along with weekend Hoy Fin de Semana edition, has a gross weekly distribution of more than 1.5 million copies nationwide. Hoy’s editorial mission is to provide Latinos with engaging, entertaining news and information to help them build successful lives, serve as their advocate and provide a link to their culture. For more information, please visit http://www.hoyinternet.com .
